The key facts

  • EPP MEP Dirk Gotink proposed restricting visa issuance to Russians
  • He believes the EU should 'go further' in signaling to Russian elites
  • The statement was made on October 16, 2026

Call to restrict visas for Russians

Member of the European Parliament from the European People's Party group Dirk Gotink believes the European Union should stop issuing Russian citizens the 'full range of visas' while Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine. He said this, as reported by Euronews, in a publication dated October 16, 2026.

Appeal to Russian elites

According to Gotink, the EU should 'go further' in signaling to Russian elites that Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine is 'also their problem.' He argued that the elites should not be able to continue 'their lives on European islands, sipping margaritas, while their political leader bombs civilians in Ukraine every day.'